The Dog Behavior Wellness Quiz

My dog is friendly toward people she meets – including
well-behaved children.

My dog can get along with other friendly dogs, both those
she lives with and those outside the family.

My dog can be left alone for reasonable time periods without
becoming anxious or panicked.

My dog will relieve herself only where and when I want her
to.

My dog will readily give up control of food, toys, and other
objects to me, and share her sleeping and resting places with
me.

My dog is relaxed during normal, everyday handling and touching
such as when I wipe her feet, brush her, look in her ears, pet
her, look in her eyes, or touch her collar.

My dog calms down quickly after being startled or getting
excited.

My dog is not overly fearful of normal, everyday events.

My dog barks when necessary or appropriate, but not excessively.

My dog plays well with people without becoming uncontrollable
or too rough.

My dog plays well with other dogs, without becoming uncontrollable,
too rough or threatening.

My dog plays with her own toys, and doesn’t often damage
my possessions.

My dog is affectionate without being needy, clingy or annoying.

My dog can adapt to changes, such as travel, moving, or confinement
in a carrier, with minimal problems

My dog usually responds when I tell her to sit, down, come
or stay.

Results

Remember - how you raise, train, and socialize your dog, and how
well you meet her behavioral needs all have a huge impact on her
behavioral health. All dogs, regardless of breed, have the potentially
to be behaviorally healthy. It may be more difficult with some dogs,
than others, depending on their natural tendencies.

Use this quiz as a positive guide to tell you what you need to
work on, and don’t be discouraged or judgmental if your dog’s
behavior isn’t everything you want it to be.

If your dog is in peak behavioral health, you answered Always
to every question. Congratulations – you and your dog have
a great relationship, your dog is sure to be a joy to be around
and a welcome addition to your community.

If you answered Always to more than
half the questions you likely have a good dog whose behavior needs
a little tweaking.

If you answered Always to less than
half the questions, your dog’s behavioral health definitely
needs some attention.

BUT – not all questions are of equal
importance. If your dog is not friendly, and has snapped
or bitten people, even if you answered Always
to all the other questions, your dog’s behavior definitely
needs immediate help.

The other behaviors may be more or less important to you, depending
on your expectations and lifestyle. For example, if you have children,
it’s important that your dog not guard his possessions, but
you may be willing to tolerate too much barking if your neighbors
are not complaining.

ANIMAL BEHAVIOR ASSOCIATES,
Inc.Copyright 2002 All Rights Reserved.www.AnimalBehaviorAssociates.com
Suzanne Hetts, Ph.D. Daniel Q. Estep, Ph.D.
Any reproduction of this quiz must cite its source. Not for resale
or inclusion in any publication for sale without written permission
from the authors.